Dewalt, a manufacturer of industrial power tools, last week announced its collaboration with Ford Motor Co. to launch Tool Link, the industry’s first Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset-tracking system that enables professional contractors to track detailed inventory of their tools and equipment stored in the pickup box or van.
Available on the 2009 F-150, F-Series super-duty trucks, and E-Series vans this fall, Tool Link by Dewalt is a feature of Ford Work Solutions, a collection of affordable technologies developed to offer end users better connectivity, flexibility and security in key aspects of their business.
Dewalt collaborated with Ford and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology, to create Tool Link. Tool Link allows end users to track assets and control inventory, ensuring crews arrive and leave the jobsite with the right tools and materials for their job. The system includes rugged, reliable labels that allow the truck operators to tag, scan and track expensive tools, equipment and other assets. When the vehicle is running, a pair of RFID antennas, mounted in corrosion- and impact-resistant housings on the inside of the pickup box, scan the box for tagged items on a pre-programmed inventory list. This data is transmitted to a reader mounted inside the cab and displayed on the in-dash computer screen, alerting the driver if any inventoried tools are not loaded on the truck.
“Dewalt is dedicated to developing new products that provide professional contractors with innovative solutions to help meet their needs,” said Chris Allen, vice president of Dewalt’s Security Business Group. “Working with Ford and ThingMagic to create Tool Link further demonstrates this commitment and will enable end users to be more productive on the jobsite.”
Dewalt entered the security business in 2004 after continuous user feedback and concern about the issue of jobsite theft and lack of solutions to effectively protect the jobsite.
The company manufactures more than 300 power tool and equipment products as well as 800 power tool accessories, including corded and cordless drills, saws, hammers, grinders, routers, planers, plate joiners, sanders, lasers, generators, compressors and nailers, as well as saw blades, metal and masonry drill bits, abrasives and screw-driving accessories and more.
Founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Mass., ThingMagic is a developer of RFID technology.
